Employing agency means the organization that employs an individual who is eligible to contribute to the TSP and that has authority to make compensation decisions for that employee.

Federal civilian retirement system means the Civil Service Retirement System established by 5 U.S.C. chapter 83, subchapter III, the Federal Employees' Retirement System established by 5 U.S.C. chapter 84, or any equivalent Federal civilian retirement system.

Separation from service means discharge of a member from active duty or the Ready Reserve or transfer of a member to inactive status or to a retired list pursuant to any provision of title 10, U.S.C. The discharge or transfer may not be followed, before the end of the 31-day period beginning on the day following the effective date of the discharge, by resumption of active duty, an appointment to a civilian position covered by the Federal Employees' Retirement System, the Civil Service Retirement System, or an equivalent retirement system, or continued service in or affiliation with the Ready Reserve. Reserve component members serving on full-time active duty who terminate their active duty status and subsequently participate in the drilling reserve are said to continue in the Ready Reserve. Active component members who are released from active duty and subsequently participate in the drilling reserve are said to affiliate with the Ready Reserve.

Service member means a member of the uniformed services on active duty or a member of the Ready Reserve in any pay status.

Service member account means the account to which contributions have been made by or on behalf of a member of the uniformed services.

Special and incentive pay means pay payable as special or incentive pay under 37 U.S.C. chapter 5.

Uniformed services means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.